MightyGloves.com

Calzaghe Defeats Hopkins in a Mauling Match

posted by Kathleen Holland on April 20, 2008, in Events

Story by Kathleen Holland
Photos by Chris McGee

LAS VEGAS – It wasn’t pretty, but Joe Calzaghe defeated Bernard Hopkins by split decision and took his Ring Magazine’s Light Heavyweight championship in the Planet Hollywood Ring at the Thomas and Mack Center before a predominately British crowd.

The boxing match was more of a mauling match with Hopkins holding Calzaghe repeatedly. Hopkins came out strong in the first two rounds knocking Calzaghe to the canvas in the first round. Calzaghe made adjustments and even though the fight seemed close, he out punched Hopkins landing 232 to 127 punches according to Compubox.

Calzaghe was charged with a low blow which didn’t seem to be too significant, but Hopkins took advantage of the situation, “resting” for what seemed like the full five minutes of recovery time. Later in the fight, he again acted like he had been hit by a low blow, but referee, Joe Cortez didn’t agree and the fight continued.

The judges scored the bout as follows: Ted Gimza scored the bout 112 – 115 for Calzaghe, Adalaide Byrd it 114 – 113 for Hopkins and Chuck Giampa had it 111-116 Calzaghe.

Mightygloves.com scored the bout 115-112 for Calzaghe. It seemed clear that Calzaghe won the fight. You have to give it to Hopkins, though, at 43 he is still a heck of a boxer.

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